Minister for Defence - Funding to skill Australia’s defence industry

The latest round of funding under the Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry (SADI) initiative was announced today by Minister for Defence, Senator David Johnston.

Senator Johnston said more than $5 million in funding would be made available to industry in the 2014-15 financial year under round one of the SADI Program to boost the skills of workers in the defence industry sector.

 “The SADI program continues to boost Australia’s defence industry skills base by enlarging the pool of qualified engineers, technicians, tradespeople and project managers,” Senator Johnston said.

“I am particularly pleased to announce that additional flexibility is being introduced to the program to reduce red tape, improve efficiency and better target training to Defence’s needs.

 “Grant recipients will be able to optimise their training outcomes by being able to self-select, prioritise and schedule their training from an approved list of eligible funded activities.”

 Senator Johnston said another significant change would provide earlier access to funding, easing the cash flow pressure for eligible industry companies, particularly small to medium enterprises.

 SADI will also continue to support training opportunities in rural and regional Australia.

 "Australian defence companies can apply for funding support for skilling activities taking place at any time during the 2014-15 financial year. I urge companies to take advantage of this opportunity," Senator Johnston said.

 Applications for the SADI Funding Round will open on Monday, 26 May 2014, and close at midnight (AEST) on Friday, 20 June 2014.

 More information is available at http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/ID/SADI/  or by contacting the SADI Hotline on 1800 651 292.

Media contacts:

Mark Dodd (Minister Johnston's Office) 0477 389 560

Defence Media Operations: (02) 6127 1999